Definition

1. Verb:
   • To place or insert at intervals among other things.
   • To diversify or vary by placing or inserting something at intervals.

Usage

The verb "intersperse" describes the action of scattering or distributing items or elements among other things, creating a mixture or breaking up uniformity. It is often used in formal or descriptive contexts related to writing, speech, design, or arrangement.

Examples

• The author intersperses serious analysis with humorous anecdotes.
• Flower beds were interspersed among the trees along the path.
• He interspersed his lecture with questions to engage the audience.
• The documentary intersperses historical footage with modern interviews.

Advanced Usage

• "to intersperse something with something": This is a common construction where the main material or setting is followed by "with" and the items being inserted.
  • She interspersed her narrative with vivid descriptions of the landscape.
• "to be interspersed with/in/among": The passive voice is frequently used.
  • The text is interspersed with diagrams.
  • Villages are interspersed among the hills.

Variants and Related Words

• Interspersion (noun): The act of interspersing or the state of being interspersed.
  • The interspersion of different textures creates visual interest.

Synonyms

• Scatter: To throw or drop things so that they spread over an area.
• Sprinkle: To scatter small drops or particles of a substance.
• Dot: To mark with small spots or objects scattered over a surface.
• Pepper (informal): To scatter or distribute liberally throughout.

Antonyms

• Collect: To bring or gather together.
• Amass: To gather together or accumulate.
• Cluster: To form or cause to form a group.

Related Phrases/Idioms

No common idioms specifically use "intersperse." Its usage is typically literal.

Verb

1. introduce one's writing or speech with certain expressions
2. place at intervals in or among
   • intersperse exclamation marks in the text